Athletic Training Degree

Athletic Training Degree Master of Science (M.S.) in Athletic Training

About the Athletic Training Degree

Become certified to prevent, evaluate, diagnose and rehabilitate injuries as an athletic trainer.

As a graduate student in pursing an athletic training degree at California University of Pennsylvania, you'll develop the knowledge and clinical skills required for a career as an athletic trainer. Cal U's Master's in Athletic Training Degree program takes a hands-on, multifaceted approach to preparing students for certification and a career in this fast-growing occupation while introducing student to special interest topics, such as cadaver dissection, complementary and alternative therapies, pediatrics, behavioral health, and leadership. 

Athletic trainers are recognized healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventive care, emergency response and clinical examination and diagnosis of injuries, along with therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation services.

Athletic training is recognized as an allied healthcare profession by the American Medical Association and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Gain clinical skills as you prepare for certification exams.

Students in Cal U's athletic training degree program develop clinical skills in areas such as complementary manual therapies, therapeutic interventions, and pediatric sports medicine. They complete two cadaver dissection courses, which provide a foundational understanding of human anatomy.

Courses for the second summer and fall semseters are taken both on-campus and online. All other courses are held on Cal U's main campus.

By 2022, anyone seeking national certification in athletic training will be required to enter a graduate-level degree. Students who complete Cal U's M.S. in Athletic Training will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam, the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, to obtain athletic training certification. A successful candidate then has the ability to obtain a medical license to practice as an athletic trainer.

Here are the Top Reasons to get a Master's Degree in Athletic Training

Faculty-student teamwork continues to place students in desirable internships. This time, two athletic training majors will be heading to training camp with the Cleveland Browns of the NFL. 

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: ATHLETIC TRAINING

Clinical experience: Each semester, students are engaged in a variety of clinical education experiences. In the second year of Cal U's master's degree program in athletic training, students engage in clinical immersion at a wide variety of affiliated sites; potential sites include the NFL, NBA, Disney Wide World of Sports and UPMC Health Systems, among others. This allows graduate students to gain additional hands-on clinical experience working with athletic injuries as they progress toward completion of the degree.

Accredited program: California University of Pennsylvania’s Athletic Training Program is currently on probation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3101. The program has chosen to Voluntarily Withdraw its Accreditation effective May 16, 2021. The program will remain on probation until the Withdraw is effective and the program is closed.

California University of Pennsylvania is currently seeking accreditation for their new Athletic Training program and is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The institution will be submitting a self-study to begin the accreditation process on July 1, 2022. Submission of the self-study and completion of a site visit does not guarantee that the program will become accredited. Students that graduate from the program prior to accreditation WILL NOT be eligible to sit for the credentialing examination for athletic trainers and will not be eligible for licensure in most states.

 

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22 %
Projected increase in athletic training jobs between 2014 and 2024, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2+2 
Complete this graduate degree program in two academic years plus two summer sessions.
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Degree Benefits

 

Students in the master's degree program in athletic training have access to top athletic training facilities in Cal U's Hamer Hall, Convocation Center, Adamson Stadium and Phillipsburg soccer complex. Athletic training equipment includes a SwimEx therapy pool and the latest in modalities and therapeutic exercise equipment. Athletic training students have multiple opportunities to engage in scholarly research, including a research project capstone, and to apply for grant funding and/or submit their research for publication or presentation. Students will also have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research and service-oriented programs in athletic training. 

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Graduate Outcomes

Students graduate from the M.S. in Athletic Training program with applied, hands-on experience. Throughout this graduate degree program, you'll engage in clinical education rotations with populations ranging from Cal U intercollegiate athletics to athletic teams at local high schools and colleges to physician clinics, industrial settings and even the performing arts. You also may gain experience with affiliates including professional sports organizations and health systems. Students will also gain practicum clinical experiences each fall and spring, and immersive experiences across the U.S. each semester of their second year.  Networking opportunities are available through alumni gatherings, professional events and the Athletic Training Student Organization.

 

Curriculum and Admissions Requirements

Students in this master's degree program take some courses on campus, including clinical skills labs and two cadaver anatomy dissection courses. Courses in the second year will be taken both online and on-campus while engaging in clinical practicums.

Curriculum

 

Course Credits
ATE 600  Cadaver Anatomy Dissection  3
ATE 603  Foundations of Athletic Training 1
ATE 610  Clinical Skills in Athletic Training 1
ATE 615  Emergency Care and Lab 1
ATE 630  Therapeutic Intervention II and Lab 3
ATE 635  Examination of the Lower Extremity and Lab 3
ATE 650  Head and Spine Cadaver Anatomy Dissection 2
ATE 655  Examination of the Head and Spine and Lab 2
ATE 660  Principles of Research in Athletic Training (Online) 2
ATE 665  Examination of the Upper Extremity and Lab 3
ATE 670  Clinical Practicum I 2
ATE 673  Clinical Practicum II 2
ATE 680  Organization, Administration and Leadership in Athletic Training 2
ATE 685  Athletic Training in Pediatrics 1
ATE 690  Therapeutic Interventions I and Lab 3
ATE 710  Behavioral Health Considerations for the Athletic Trainer (Online) 2
ATE 715  Clinical Pathologies and General Medical Conditions 2
ATE 720  Biomechanics and Injury Prevention in Athletic Training 2
ATE 744  Pharmacology (Online) 2
ATE 761  Research Project Capstone (Online) 2
ATE 772  Clinical Immersion (repeatable three times) 3 (x3)
ATE 774  Practicum III 2
ATE 776  Clinical Practicum III 2
ATE 781  Complementary and Alternative Therapies with Lab 2
ATE 785  Professional Practice Transition (Online) 1
Total 56

Program Notes: Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher with a grade of C or better in their coursework.


 

Admission Requirements

 

California University of Pennsylvania's Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program is a 56-credit curriculum that takes a hands-on, multifaceted approach to preparing students for certification. Graduate students in this master's degree program take some courses on Cal U's campus, including clinical skills labs and two cadaver anatomy dissection courses, examination, and therapeutic intervention courses. Additionally, in the second summer semester students are engaged in an off-campus clinical immersion experiences year.

Students develop an advance skillset in the areas of:

  • pediatric sports medicine
  • advanced manual therapy techniques
  • alternative therapies
  • leadership in athletic training

Admission Requirements:

The following are the three routes to admission:

Traditional 2-year, post-baccalaureate degree

A student who has already completed a bachelor’s degree and meets the requirements for graduate application. Students can have earned any undergraduate degree, however a discipline related to the health science field is strongly encouraged as they are more likely to fulfill the prerequisites for the MSAT Program.

Accelerated Bachelor to Masters (3+2, internal applicants)

Internal students will major in Health Science with a concentration in Pre-Athletic Training and complete undergraduate prerequisite courswork. During their final undergraduate term, spring semester-year 3, student will apply to the MSAT Program.

Early Admission Assurance

Health Science, Pre-Athletic Training Students can apply for Admission Assurance during the spring semester of their first or second year. This admission guarantees the student a spot in the MSAT Program pending meeting certain academic requirements. To be considered for the Early Admission Assurance Program, student must be admitted into CalU, pursuing an undergraduate degree and meet the following criteria:

·         Cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale)

·         1100 SAT or 22 ACT scores

·         Declare pre-athletic training as their major by March, year 1

Once admitted to the Early Admission Assurance program, students must meet with following academic standards and requirements to keep the guaranteed status into the MSAT program.

·         Maintain cumulative GPA 3.0

·         Earn ‘B-‘ or better in program prerequisite courses

In the spring of their 3rd year, students will need to submit all other program application materials to complete the application process.

  • A  cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • A preferred combined 3.00  GPA or better in all prerequisite coursework and earn a C or better in each prerequisite course
    • Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Health, Kinesiology/Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology, Statistics, and Physics
  • Official transcripts from an accredited institution
  • Submit two letters of recommendation, one from an academic reference and one from a certified athletic trainer. 

Program Requirements:

  • Submit proof of immunization
  • Complete a minimum of 40 clinical observations hours (waived for 2021 applicants due to COVID-19)
  • Provide verification of CPR/AED certification
  • Signed Technical Standards form
  • Hepatitis B Waiver form
  • Act 34 Clearance (Pa. Criminal History)
  • Act 114 Clearance (Federal Criminal History/ FBI fingerprinting background check)
  • Act 151 Clearance (Child Abuse)

Applicants must meet the admissions criteria (or be currently enrolled in the remaining prerequisites).

In the Program Documents section you are asked to upload 3 clearances. This is in accordance with the commonwealth of PA and Department of Education because our students will be engaged in clinical/field experiences in the presence of minors.

If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact the Program Director:

Shelly DiCesaro
dicesaro@calu.edu
724.938.5831

If you have questions regarding your Admission to Cal U, please contact Graduate Admissions 

Graduate Admissions
gradschool@calu.edu 
724.938.4187 

 

Athletic training masters degree program

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for certified athletic trainers is expected to grow as people become more aware of the need for athletic trainers at events and Americans remain active as they age. Cal U graduates who are certified in athletic training may find employment in:

  • High schools, colleges or universities.
  • Professional sports franchises.
  • Clinics or physicians' offices.
  • Military or industrial settings.
  • Companies that provide assistive orthopedic devices.
  • Performing arts, motocross or even bull riding venues.
Read More About Career Options

Alumni Success

Athletic training graduate Gordon William '06 has built his career with the National Football League. He was employed with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2006-2009 and now is an assistant athletic trainer with the Cleveland Browns. Kelly Pagnotta '08 went on to earn advanced degrees at the University of Connecticut. Now she's an assistant professor at Jefferson University and the program director for the MS in Athletic Training program.

 View more success stories

 


CAATE Logo

California University of Pennsylvania’s Athletic Training Program is currently on probation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3101. The program has chosen to Voluntarily Withdraw its Accreditation effective May 16, 2021. The program will remain on probation until the Withdraw is effective and the program is closed.

California University of Pennsylvania is currently seeking accreditation for their new Athletic Training program and is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The institution will be submitting a self-study to begin the accreditation process on July 1, 2022. Submission of the self-study and completion of a site visit does not guarantee that the program will become accredited. Students that graduate from the program prior to accreditation WILL NOT be eligible to sit for the credentialing examination for athletic trainers and will not be eligible for licensure in most states.

Accreditation and Other Information

Technical Standards for Admission


View technical standards for admission

Policies and Procedures


Athletic Training Program Policies and Procedures Manual

BOC Data, Retention Rates, Graduation Rates and Employment Rates

 

Class of 2020

Class of 2019

Class of 2018

 

BOC Data

 

 

 

 

Number of students graduating from the program

12

15

13

 

Number of students graduating from the program who took the BOC exam

9

15

12

 

Number of students who passed the BOC exam on the 1st attempt

3

7

7

 

Percentage of students who pass the BOC exam on the 1st attempt

33%

47%

58%

3-Year Aggregate = 56%

Number of students who passed the BOC exam regardless of the number of attempts

4

10

9

 

Percentage of students who passed the BOC exam regardless of the number of attempts

44%

67%

75%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retention Rates

Class of 2020

Class of 2019

Class of 2018

 

Number of students admitted into the professional program (to begin professional program, sophomore year)

16

18

13

 

Retention Rate (%)

75%

89%

100%

 

Number of students returning for junior year

12

16

13

 

Retention Rate (%)

75%

100%

100%

 

Number of students returning for senior year

12

16

13

 

Retention Rate (%)

75%

100%

100%

 
         

Graduation Rates

 

 

 

 

Number of students admitted into the professional program

16

18

13

 

Number of student who completed the professional program (ie graduated)

12

15

13

 

Percentage of students who completed the program

75%

83%

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment Rates (within 6-months of graduation)

 

 

 

 

Number of students employed as AT

10

10

6

 

Student employment rate as AT (%)

83%

71%

46%

 

Number of students employed as other

1

1

3

 

Student employment as other (%)

8%

7%

23%

 

Number of students not employed

1

2

4

 

Student not employed rate (%)

8%

14%

31%

 

Athletic Training Degree Faculty

Dr. Shelly Fetchen DiCesaro
Associate Professor, Athletic Training Program Coordinator

dicesaro@calu.edu

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Jeff Giovannucci
Assistant Professor and Clinical Education Coordinator

giovannucci@calu.edu

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Dr. Jamie Weary
Associate Professor

weary@calu.edu

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Scott Zema
Clinical Assistant Professor and Athletics Health Care Administrator

zema@calu.edu

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